Accessibility

Broadway In Boston has an ongoing commitment to building new audiences and making theatre accessible for all patrons. During each season, Broadway In Boston offers Audio Described, Open Captioned, and American Sign Language performances for most productions at the Boston Opera House. If you would like to receive emails about upcoming accessible performances, please email ADABoston@BroadwayInBoston.com and note your interest in Audio Description, American Sign Language, and/or Open Captioning.

Audio description is a live narration of the visual aspects of the performance broadcasted to visually impaired patrons who wear a small receiver (headset). This narration includes pre-show descriptions of the theatre and of the costume and scenic elements as well as narration of blocking and choreography between the show’s dialogue and musical numbers.

Open Captioning is a form of accessibility for the deaf and hard of hearing population in the United States. The c2net.org website describes Open Captioning as “text displayed simultaneous to live speech, dialogue or performance”. This technology is now utilized by theaters nationwide. It provides hearing impaired patrons with the complete script and song text for live performances on small screens directly adjacent to audience seating. For more comprehensive information on Open Captioning visit www.c2net.org.

During American Sign Language performances, skilled theatrical Interpreters use American Sign Language to interpret the performances on stage. The Interpreters work with a Deaf ASL Consultant to translate the production into American Sign Language. The audience can see both the Interpreters and the stage action simultaneously.